Click on the sections below to learn more about each topic.

School District 38 is pleased to launch SMART tag™ for the 2024-25 school year! It's a system that helps increase safety and security for students riding on a school bus, leveraging technology to improve student management and communications on D38 school buses. The technology enhances driver, school, and parent awareness by ensuring students load and unload at the right stops. The tool also helps ensure our youngest riders and students with special needs are released to authorized guardians.

With the SMART tag™  Parent App, families can receive push notifications when the bus is near your student's designated bus stop, view live locations, and receive updates about possible delays. The app will be turned on for D38 families starting Aug. 1.

How does SMART tag™  work?
Students are issued passive, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cards that do not store student information or emit tracking information. The same technology is used by medical facilities, libraries and amusement parks. The IDs are read when students get on or off the bus by an RFID reader.

How does SMART tag™  help bus drivers and the transportation office?
Buses are equipped with a tablet computer and RFID reader. When riders get on or off, they present their ID, and the tablet displays if the rider is boarding or unloading at the correct bus stop. The tablet also uses GPS technology to report its location and speed, ridership activity, and other safety-related information. Administration staff with D38 Transportation can view all school bus activity at any time.

Are SMART tag™  ID badges required to ride the bus?
Yes. In order to foster increased student safety and security, as well as provide a more efficient process of loading and unloading buses, the badges will be required for all riders. New SMART tag™  badges will be issued for students every year to ensure bus drivers have current information for each rider.

Click on the sections below to learn more about the app. Note: Families can download the app today; features will be turned on for D38 families on Aug. 1.